I'm left flabbergasted by the hypocrisy that is our eco-friendly Madison community. On our green campus where conserving efforts for Madison's lakes are a top priority, it seems absurd that the UW System has not executed recycling efforts in both public and private residences. I'm not a liberal tree-hugging hippie, but a concerned student who cringes every time I'm required to discard yet another plastic soda bottle or beer can with the rest of the waste.

The city of Madison has no excuse anymore. I live on Langdon, located in the epicenter of campus, just one block from UW buildings and State Street. While several bars and libraries provide recycling cans and scheduled pickups, it would be in the city's best interest to provide private residences, including Greek houses and apartment buildings, the recycling option. According to UW's "We Conserve" website, last year the UW campus discarded 9,849 tons of materials. Of that waste, the campus was able to recycle 2,358 tons of it (24 percent). While this preservation program shows promising results, this is not enough.

While the execution of a more efficient recycling system will take time to develop, efforts must start now. The Collegians for a Constructive Tomorrow (CFACT) program will start the campuswide project to provide recycling utilities to private residences bordering Langdon. This is an imperative effort that will spark recognition and change among UW students and staff alike. The Badger community unites over school spirit, booze and football every weekend; it is time to get in the spirit of recycling!

Samantha Gould

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